Australia’s leading First Nations performing arts company, Bangarra Dance Theatre, is once again taking to the stage at the Sydney Opera House to present their new work, Illume. After 20 years performing out of the Drama Theatre, Bangarra are making history by bringing their latest work to the main stage in the Joan Sutherland Theatre, a stage traditionally used for opera and ballet. This stage will now be filled with Indigenous storytelling, marking a significant milestone for the company.
Illume is the artistic vision of co-creators Frances Rings and Goolarrgon Bard artist, Darrell Sibosado. This work is the first time Bangarra has collaborated with a First Nations visual artist and it seamlessly incorporates elements of choreography with visual arts and design. The work explores Darrell’s Country, incorporating elements of light and the beauty of mother-of-pearl, which lies at the heart of spiritual life for the Goolarrgon Bard people.
Divided into sections, Illume is a visually stunning performance. The story begins from darkness and the birth of the physical world. Stars illuminate the sky as people emerge from the shadows. We are taken on a journey, exploring the lands and waterways of the Goolarrgon Bard people, their deep connection to Country and kinship. The movement on stage creates a sense of fluidity and harmony, with every living thing intrinsically intertwined with one another. However it’s not long before darkness sets in and change approaches.
As colonisation reaches the Dampier Peninsula and Catholic missions are established, Aboriginal children are stolen from their homes, severing this connection to family and Country. The despair is palpable, forged in every movement, etched in each expression of heartbreak and loss.
The performance ends as it began, with the mother-of-pearl, the heart of spiritual life and tradition, weaving together stories and strengthening a deep cultural sense of belonging.
It is difficult to describe the sensory impact Illume creates. With set design by Charles Davis and lighting design by Damien Cooper, they have created a wonderous and magical world. The use of lights illuminating to the pulsation of the music, appearing to symbolise the beating heart of the land, is absolutely incredible. Combined with brilliant costume design by Elizabeth Gadsby, Illume is a visual feast, literally art in motion.
The way in which the choreography incorporates the artistic physical elements, in particular the sequence with the rope lighting, is pure genius. The entire dance ensemble executed the performance with strength and grace. It is an all-consuming, utterly mesmerising show.
I can’t help but feel my words are simply too inadequate to convey how powerful and wholly stunning Illume is. There are so many different elements to this performance and each is accomplished to perfection. You will leave with a deep sense of awe and the knowledge that you have witnessed something truly remarkable.
FIVE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Illume by Bangarra Dance Theatre will perform at the Sydney Opera House until 14 June 2025.
For more information and to purchase tickets head to the Sydney Opera House website.
Reviewer attended on 4 June 2025.
Photos: Daniel Boud
Dancers
Lillian Banks
Courtney Radford
Kallum Goolagong
Kassidy Waters
Jye Uren
Maddison Paluch
Daniel Mateo
Emily Flannery
Janaya Lamb
James Boyd
Chantelle Lee Lockhart
Amberlilly Gordon
Donta Whitham
Edan Porter
Zeak Tass
Tamara Bouman
Roxie Syron
Eli Clarke
